First Kings

Chapter Two: Solomon’s Ascension (part 1)

by

Jim Bordwine, ThD

Introduction

This book began with high intrigue. We were immediately introduced to a plot to take the throne of king David by illegitimate means. In spite of his weakened condition, we read of David’s determination to oppose his own son who was trying to make himself the next king. Thanks to a few faithful men, Nathan the prophet, in particular, the designs of Adonijah were successfully opposed when David, now aware of what was being attempted, quickly moved to secure the throne for Solomon, the one to whom the kingdom had been promised.

Within a short period time, the celebration of Adonijah turned to fear. The one who was boasting so confidently had to flee for his life. Once Solomon was anointed, he quickly took steps to guard against further unrest. The kingdom was safely in the hands of the rightful king, David could rest and prepare for his passing. As that first chapter concluded, we read of Adonijah confined to his home as Solomon assumed leadership.

In some stories, that would be the end. The kingdom was saved from the hands of a pretender, the man who belonged on the throne was lawfully installed, and the great man of God, David, was at peace, once again. But this story does not end here. As we are going to see in chapter two, there are issues that remain to be settled. Before he dies, David relates certain information to Solomon that will determine the new king’s first few orders of business. Much of what will occupy Solomon’s time will be relationships between his father and others in the kingdom. David intends that certain matters be concluded even if he will not be around to see to it himself.

We know that David is near death. We know that he raised himself long enough to deal with Adonijah. As this next chapter opens, the last words of David are recorded.

01. David’s Death (vv. 1-12)

2:1 As David’s time to die drew near, he charged Solomon his son, saying, 2 “I am going the way of all the earth. Be strong, therefore, and show yourself a man. 3 And keep the charge of the LORD your God, to walk in His ways, to keep His statutes, His commandments, His ordinances, and His testimonies, according to what is written in the law of Moses, that you may succeed in all that you do and wherever you turn, 4 so that the LORD may carry out His promise which He spoke concerning me, saying, ‘If your sons are careful of their way, to walk before Me in truth with all their heart and with all their soul, you shall not lack a man on the throne of Israel.’”

God granted a great blessing to David before he died. He allowed David the opportunity to speak to his son, Solomon. As he speaks, David is able to prepare Solomon for what is about to happen. He knows Solomon will be grieved by his father’s passing, and he knows Solomon will find himself in a position never before experienced. Like a loving father, therefore, David desires to help Solomon with this transition.

David’s Last Words to Solomon

As we would expect from such a man of God, David’s first concern is that his son walk rightly before the Lord once he is gone. David is wise enough to know that this issue, that of living in peace with God, is more important than any other factor in Solomon’s life. If he can impress upon Solomon the great value in seeking to please the Lord in all ways, David knows his son will enjoy a most blessed existence.

Stop and consider what David has seen in his lifetime. He has seen tremendous examples of God’s goodness and provision, and he has known the pure joy of worshiping God and writing great Psalms of praise; but he has also seen the horror of war, he has felt the bitter consequences of adultery, the pain of betrayal, the grief of losing children. David has known the sting of false accusations, and the judgments of God. Solomon, David knows, will face similar challenges in his reign as king. What, then, might David say to Solomon that will be of genuine help for the future? The answer is that David will exhort his son to grateful obedience before the Lord. Only that will provide for a happy and safe life for Solomon and a future of prosperity for the nation.

Notice how the writer describes this conversation between David and Solomon: “he charged Solomon his son . . .” The word translated “charged” (tsaw vaw) means “to command, charge, give orders.” This was not simply a routine conversation in which a dying father says “farewell” to his son. It is that, but it is much more. David has one last opportunity to say something to his son that will result in blessings for Solomon, blessings for the kingdom, and satisfaction for the Lord. Rather than pass on to Solomon words about negotiating with enemies or meeting the demands of the kingdom, David highlights something much more personal and something of much greater worth.

David knows that all the efforts in the world to be a good king and all the success on the field of battle and all the professed loyalty of the citizens of the kingdom can be of little use and might, in fact, mask what is truly important. That which is truly important is a king’s relationship with the Ruler of this world. Therefore, David’s last words to Solomon concern Solomon’s faith. Only if Solomon lives to please God will he be a good king; only if he seeks first to know and obey God will Solomon then have the opportunities to be a blessing to his people.

Take a moment, please, and consider what we are reading. If you found yourself having one last opportunity to speak to your children before you departed this world, what would you conclude would be the most valuable thing you could say? Having read about David’s example, I know how you all would answer now! But suppose I had asked that question before you knew anything about David’s last words to Solomon. What would you have said? Put yourself on your deathbed, knowing that you have a very short time to live. You call for your children and you know this is one of the most important conversations you ever had.

You would want to leave your children something of definite value, something that would surely help them as they lived on after you. Depending on your perspective, there are a variety of things you might want to pass along. Some things, of course, might be more useful than others. If, however, you were looking for the most useful thing to say—assuming you have not been deceived—you would want to give to your children that which would bless them in the broadest manner. What would that be? If you know the Scriptures, you know that possessions and riches do not meet this qualification. These things are, to be sure, held in great esteem by the world, but they are of very little genuine worth according to the Word of God.

The correct answer, of course, is found in the example of David. This father left his son with a charge. On the one hand, it had nothing to do directly with being king or growing rich or succeeding in life, as success is measured in this environment. On the other hand, the words spoken by David had everything to do with Solomon—especially his reign as king and leader of God’s people on earth. Solomon is charged regarding his relationship with the Lord. David speaks to that aspect of Solomon’s life that is the most important, the most influential, and the most vulnerable. Solomon might give close attention to a thousand things in his future, but this one matter, the matter specified by David, is more significant than all the others combined.

David learned that a man does not truly succeed or truly experience joy or truly serve others unless he, himself, is walking rightly with God above. All other efforts are meaningless and all other accomplishments are empty if a man fails to submit himself to God and live his life for God’s glory. This is how success is measured in the eyes of God. That is why the poorest man on this earth can genuinely please God, while the wealthiest man on this earth may incur only God’s disdain.

On one occasion, Jesus was speaking to His disciples about the nature of service with Him. He warned them that if they chose to follow Him, they would be required to deny themselves and fully own His cause. Comparing this life of service and self-sacrifice to what other men might pursue, Jesus declared: “For what will a man be profited, if he gains the whole world, and forfeits his soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?” (Matt. 16:24 ff.) I have often wondered if people really pay attention to what is being said by the Savior. He teaches that fixation on what is to be gained in this world may result in a person ignoring that which is of greatest significance, which is the state of the soul. In the end, Jesus implies, if you should have in your control all that this world has to offer, it will not be sufficient to redeem your soul.

I think David means to communicate the same general notion to Solomon. Rather than spend his last moments giving Solomon advice about how to get the upper hand on his rivals, or how to plan best for next spring’s military campaigns, or which part of the kingdom is likely to yield the most gold and silver, David concentrates on one single element—that is Solomon’s relationship with God. If that is in order, everything else will work out; if that relationship is not in order, then nothing will make up for what is missing.

One of the greatest men ever to walk the earth—great, that is, from heaven’s perspective—reached the end of his days and said to his son with his last breaths “be strong, therefore, and show yourself a man . . . keep the charge of the Lord your God to walk in His ways, to keep His statutes, His commandments, His ordinances, and His testimonies . . .” There is not a word here about amassing treasure or building homes or filling the palace garage with chariots. If those things had been essential, do you not think this father would have passed that information to his son? Generally speaking, that which a man says with his last breaths is going to be representative of what he truly believes. In this case, David truly believed that Solomon’s future would be served best if he gave himself without reservation to walking obediently and thankfully before God; and this he would do by giving the closest attention to every word, every law, every exhortation, and every admonition ever spoken by God.

David’s exhortation reminds us of one of the central teachings of the Bible: achievement and contentment are not found in worldly treasure, but in a relationship with God characterized by humility, submission, and peace. Faithfulness is the treasure of the godly; submission is their fortress.

Let me emphasize that I believe David would have said exactly the same things to Solomon if David had been nothing more than a shepherd. It wasn’t the fact that he was a king that led David to give this kind of charge to Solomon. This charge is what every man of God should want to say to his children because it encapsulates that which will ensure the favor of God. If Solomon listened to the voice of his father and showed the courage of a man and kept the words of the Lord, he would know the blessings of God in abundance. In fact, David makes that promise to his son: “that you may succeed in all that you do and wherever you turn, so that the Lord may carry out His promise which he spoke concerning me . . .” Follow my words, David says, and God will fulfill His promise and He has promised to honor our house by seating us on the throne of Israel.

As I said earlier, David had a number of issues he wanted Solomon to take care of after his death. Notice that Joab is mentioned in vv. 5, 6. For his treachery, brutality, and betrayal, David commands Solomon: “Do not let his gray hair go down to Sheol in peace.” I trust you understand what David is saying. Joab had a debt to pay and Solomon is charged by his father to be sure that obligation is met. In contrast to David’s order concerning Joab, however, he tells Solomon to show kindness to the sons of another man because they helped David during his flight from Absalom (v. 7). They were to be given a place at the table of Solomon.

Another character mentioned by David is Shimei, the man who followed David yelling and cursing at him when the king was forced to abandon the palace and seek refuge from Absalom (vv. 8, 9). At some point in his flight, David and his men passed through a narrow ravine. Standing safely above them, Shimei threw stones and cursed the king. He hated David because David had replaced this man’s kinsman, Saul. Shimei made the most of this opportunity to belittle David and take comfort in the king’s dilemma. Sometime later, as David returned victorious, this same man met him and promised allegiance. David chose not to kill Shimei, but the transgression remained. Here at the point of death, David charges Solomon to settle this account, as well.

David’s Departure and Burial

I’m often struck by the manner in which the deaths of great men in the Bible are reported. The records are simple, yet eloquent. For example:

Then the days of Adam after he became the father of Seth were eight hundred years, and he had other sons and daughters. So all the days that Adam lived were nine hundred and thirty years, and he died. (Gen. 5:4, 5)

And Noah lived three hundred and fifty years after the flood. So all the days of Noah were nine hundred and fifty years, and he died. (Gen. 9:28, 29)

And these are all the years of Abraham’s life that he lived, one hundred and seventy-five years. And Abraham breathed his last and died in a ripe old age, an old man and satisfied with life; and he was gathered to his people. (Gen. 25:7, 8)

These reports hardly indicate the extremely significant role these men played in God’s plan. With these same men in mind, the writer of Hebrews said: “. . . men of whom the world was not worthy . . .” (Heb. 11:38)

And so it is with king David:

10 Then David slept with his fathers and was buried in the city of David. 11 And the days that David reigned over Israel were forty years: seven years he reigned in Hebron, and thirty-three years he reigned in Jerusalem.

The same end awaits every man—beggars and kings, black and white, poor and rich, ignorant and educated. Death does not discriminate, which is why every person must be urged to prepare for that day that inevitably comes.

David’s Throne Is Assumed by Solomon

12 And Solomon sat on the throne of David his father, and his kingdom was firmly established.

Solomon occupied the throne and thus began his reign as yet another incredibly unique character in the drama of redemption.

Application

I’ll begin my application of this passage with the observation that most men would desire to have a conversation with their children shortly before they die. This would be, of course, a wonderful act of kindness on God’s part. And it would be even better if a man had time to prepare his remarks. Then he could give extended thought to the issues he wants to emphasize for his children at that unique stage of his life.

As we read, David had such an opportunity with Solomon and he left us with a perfect example of what should be said at such a time. As death approached, David was thinking clearly and knew exactly what to say to his son that would represent something of true value, something that would produce blessings for the rest of his life. As I stated, David mentioned first the matter of his son’s walk before God.

For one brief moment, put yourself in that position. You have come to the end of your life and you have a momentary opportunity to say something to your children. What kind of advice would you give? What about warnings? Would you try to alert them to dangers they will face in the world? Would you exhort them pointedly concerning their faith? Would you consider the continuing sanctification of your children the prime issue?

I am confident that every man here would have worthwhile things to say in such a situation. We might not all say the same things, but I would expect that all of our comments would fall into the same category of concern for the spiritual well-being of our children. There are very few times in life when we are forced to face reality without disguising it or downplaying the more frightening aspects. The context of death is one of those moments. This is why I would assume words spoken by fathers to children, at least among Christians, would share basic similarity.

There is, however, something that could occur under the circumstances I’ve described and it would completely alter the entire episode. In fact, what I have in mind can occur multiple times as fathers advance in years and look back on their lives. I am referring to remorse, that sense of having wasted tremendous opportunities. This can be one of the most unsettling thoughts a man can have when it comes to the way he has led his family. By God’s grace, most of us have moments of realization along the way and will not have to wait until the day of our departure to analyze our service to God and those He has placed in our care.

I want to ask you to do what I’ve described right now. I am asking the fathers, in particular, and every other believer here this morning to take stock of your life as if your journey is coming to an end. Have you made the most of what God gave you? Have you taken advantage of the years He put your disposal? Have essential duties been left undone or done halfheartedly? Has complacency robbed you of irretrievable moments?

I have to confess that my answers to these questions would fall well below what pleases God and well below the potential represented in all the advantages He has provided for me over the years. How about you? If your Savior, the One who gave His life in your place and, therefore, made possible your loving relationship with His Father, were to stand before you and ask of the questions I asked, would your answers demonstrate your profound gratitude for what you were given, or a shameful record of neglect? How many Christians today, do you suppose, would do anything to avoid having those questions asked of them?

A second application is related to the first and is a warning we need to hear often. The world hides from us what is truly worthwhile, and puts before us that which is a worthless imitation or plain deception. Throughout our lives, we have to be alert to this truth. Otherwise, the allurements of this realm will entice us and make it even more difficult to live a life of godliness. David was a man who had all that any man could wish for, in terms of what is to be found here on earth. He had riches, authority, tremendous influence, and the adoration of his nation. Yet, when the time came to exhort Solomon concerning what he should pursue and what goals he should set, David chose those things of heavenly and eternal worth.

The world in which we live exalts that which is temporary, while debasing that which is eternal. It glorifies the man who attains phenomenal wealth, but counts as unimportant the man of little means. This world promotes a belief system that has no foundation, and opposes a belief system provided by our Creator. These tendencies are woven throughout the fabric of our existence in this place. We must be observant, and rightly educated, and properly motivated in order to do essential two things: one, guard ourselves from deception and, two, be about the business of overcoming what is here with what Christ has achieved.

If the threat of this fallen system is as pervasive as I have suggested, then we must take careful note of everything we encounter. We cannot assume that any part of what has been corrupted by sin is, nevertheless, safe. Further, we must be aware that opposition to our faith is to be found not only in the obvious, but also in that which has no obvious signs of danger. It is, I believe, this latter category that has done much damage to contemporary Christians. We have guarded ourselves against the monsters, while the little gremlins have infiltrated our homes. We have stayed far away from those obvious sources of wickedness, while welcoming the less obvious into our lives.

Take time this afternoon or sometime this week to sit down and think of those things that are the most influential in your typical week and those things that take up the majority of your time. Measure each one by the standard given to us by the Apostle Paul: “whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, let your mind dwell on these things.”

A third application, and one that I’ll mention just briefly, is found in the picture of David instructing Solomon at the end of the king’s days on earth. Here was the wise and experienced older man offering critical advice to the younger man. I would ask those of you who are among the older in the faith to consider how you might imitate this example. If you have children, you are, of course, already doing this to an extent, but it need not end there. There are younger men in this congregation who have no one in their lives to mentor them. Imagine the good that could be done in such a life if an older godly man took interest. And what good might you accomplish, ladies, if you were to engage in a Titus 2 mentoring relationship? Just one faithful generation mentoring the rising generation could produce incredible fruit.

A fourth and final application is one of the most encouraging and instructive. David’s passing was recorded in this manner: “David slept with his fathers.” This was not simply a euphemistic way of communicating something unpleasant. This is a Christian perspective on death. David’s body cease to function, but his soul remained alive. His existence was not annihilated. David joined those who had gone before him—“his fathers,” as it is put here. This manner of speaking tells us that death is not obliteration; death is a transition. For those who know God, it is a transition from this world to heaven; it is a departure from one realm and an arrival in another. For us, death brings an end to the struggles encountered in this fallen environment and the beginning of life in a sinless environment. Every person here this morning will one day take the journey from here to there, just like David.

This truth alone is greatly encouraging, but there is more in that short phrase. The mention of David’s fathers implies a continuity from one generation to the next. These are David’s ancestors who walked the earth before him and who, one by one, reached the end of the their days joined the heavenly company. Considered from this perspective, the death of a Christian is a testimony to the reality of God’s work of redemption. My fathers have gone before me and I will join them one day. They are the faithful who, by the grace of God, were delivered from condemnation and made children in the household of God. We who are alive today and are walking with the Lord are the present generation of God’s recreation of humanity by and in Jesus Christ, His Son.

My friends, the gospel is found in that phrase, “David slept with his fathers.” You can use such language to explain the gospel. The gospel tells us why death in this world is not the end of us. It is because Jesus Christ redeemed us and purchased us with His own blood so that we belong to Him now and forever. And the gospel tells us that we are part of a company of saints, many who have come before us and many who will come after us—all part of the glorious church being assembled by the Holy Spirit who takes what Christ provides and applies it to one sinner after another.

The gospel is a rich and full message. It answers the most perplexing questions we face and declares to us the unbounded mercy of God in Christ. It tells us why we were condemned and how that condemnation was lifted. The gospel teaches us that in our fallen state we were dead in our trespasses and without hope, but One came with power to wake the dead and blood to cleanse us and compassion to grant to us the greatest hope of all.

Conclusion

As stated, we are of the company of the redeemed. Jesus Christ took upon Himself our sins so that we might be reconciled to God. Without a Savior, we were doomed—no escape from the charge of rebellion, no ability to please Him in the least. In that state, a death in this world would only mean we were going to a place of judgment. But Christ changed that for God’s elect. The death of the believer is a departure to a place of unending bliss.

This sacrament calls our attention every week to our present state, that of redemption, and to the reason for that status, the ministry of Christ by which He took our guilt and credited to us His righteousness. With our guilt, He went to the cross. With His righteousness, we go to heaven.

As we eat the bread, our dependence on Christ is emphasized. As our bodies need food to survive, so our souls need the food of Christ. And as we drink the wine, the cleansing power of His blood is emphasized and, again, the act of drinking reminds us of the indispensable connection between His blood and our freedom.

Matt. 26:26 While they were eating, Jesus took some bread, and after a blessing, He broke it and gave it to the disciples, and said, “Take, eat; this is My body.” 27 And when He had taken a cup and given thanks, He gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you; 28 for this is My blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for forgiveness of sins. 29 But I say to you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in My Father's kingdom.”